In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Milwaukee TV anchor Ted Perry shares his personal story of living with depression, breaking years of silence about his struggles. Ted opens up about the early signs he ignored, the stigma that kept him quiet, and the turning point when therapy and treatment gave him hope.

Through candid reflections, Ted talks about grief, self-worth, and how depression impacted his personal and professional life. He also highlights the importance of protective factors like exercise, pets, and faith.

This conversation is not just about one man’s experience—it’s a reminder that sharing openly about mental health can create ripples of hope and healing for others.

Primary Topics Covered:

Why stigma keeps people silent about depression
Ted’s first steps toward therapy and treatment
The role of grief, loss, and life transitions in triggering depression
How antidepressants and therapy helped him rebuild stability
Protective factors: exercise, pets, faith, and community support
The cost of staying silent—relationships, time, and self-worth
The hope and resilience that come from speaking out

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the “Ripple Report” series
01:23 – Ted Perry shares why he chose to speak publicly about depression
03:11 – Early signs of depression during college years
03:53 – A friend encourages Ted to try therapy for the first time
05:08 – The power of talking and his first therapy breakthrough
05:38 – Returning to therapy after his father’s death
06:18 – Depression disguised as “being sick” at work
07:22 – Accepting depression and finding the right treatment
08:13 – Medication as part of his depression toolbox
09:04 – Building protective factors: exercise, pets, and faith
09:21 – Depression steals hope, and why it’s critical to hold onto it
10:38 – Lessons learned: wasted time, relationships, and stigma
12:11 – Regret about hiding depression and pushing people away
13:09 – How stigma leads to silence and lost opportunities
14:22 – Closing reflections and a message of hope

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